Louvre Museum Closed Amid Nationwide Protests in France
Student protesters barricaded the entrances to the iconic museum, forcing its closure as widespread demonstrations continue across the country.
The Louvre Museum, one of the world's most visited art institutions, closed its doors on Monday due to protesters barricading the entrances. The closure comes as France experiences nationwide riots and demonstrations.
"Dear visitors, due to student strikes, the museum is currently closed. We apologize for the inconvenience," the Louvre announced on X, formerly Twitter. The museum did not provide a reopening time.
Visitors arriving Monday morning found the main entrances, including the iconic glass pyramid, blocked by protesters from the École du Louvre. The demonstration was organized in solidarity with wider protests against the rising cost of living and recent police actions. The blockade forced museum officials to turn away an estimated 20,000 visitors on what is typically a busy day.
The disruption at the Louvre is part of broader unrest that has affected various parts of Paris and the country. Following a weekend marked by violent street clashes, hundreds of businesses sustained damage, and nearly 2,400 arrests were made nationwide. International travelers have faced challenges navigating the city, with increased security cordons and ongoing demonstrations.
Other major Parisian attractions have also been impacted. The Eiffel Tower recently experienced a full-day closure due to a staff strike, unrelated to the current protests. Separately, the Château de Versailles had to close its interior spaces on October 6 due to a power outage in the surrounding area.
This situation follows a pattern of operational challenges at prominent French cultural sites. In September 2025, institutions such as the Musée d’Orsay and the Arc de Triomphe faced temporary closures attributed to staff shortages amid strikes protesting proposed government spending cuts.